Tag Archives: Shawn O’Leary

The approval of the largest-ever transportation bond in Norman history – $72 million with $67 million in matching federal funds – means major upgrades are coming over the next 10 years. That means construction is coming. Lots of it. But this time, it will be different.

The defeat of two propositions Tuesday to improve stormwater drainage and water quality in Norman will continue a “slow bleed” on the community that is threatening to cause “serious public health issues," Norman Director of Public Works Shawn O’Leary said Wednesday.

Norman residents will vote in October on a sales tax measure that would fund upgrades and expansions to parks and libraries. But approval of the multimillion-dollar bond issue might put another important quality-of-life issue on hold: drinking water quality.

As Norman city officials patch up streets damaged by recent flooding, there’s one problem that takes a back seat: red sediment in the road. Oklahoma’s signature soil doesn’t harm streets, but when it washes into a stream, it flows into Lake Thunderbird, adding to pollution in the reservoir.

The city of Norman has taken a small but important step toward lowering pollution in Lake Thunderbird, Director of Public Works Shawn O’Leary said. It has hired a consultant to help develop a cleanup plan for the reservoir. The plan could also lead to developing a new type of utility division, O’Leary said.

If you live in Norman, you drink storm water. That water runs off homes, across parking lots and through streams that lead to Lake Thunderbird. Zack Roach thinks he can improve tap water’s taste and smell by building better neighborhoods.